The Goal Machine, Natasha Flint has certainly caught the eye leading the line for Fran Alonso’s Celtic FC Women’s side since joining on loan from Leicester City in the January transfer window. So good indeed have been the striker’s selfless performances that a lack of goals had gone relatively un-noticed. The powerful English striker did hit the woodwork and also had a goal ruled out for offside in the match against theRangers, so it was only a matter of time before The Goal Machine started firing.
That happened last night as Flint grabbed a brace as Celtic followed up a ‘skelping Glasgow Derby win over theRangers on Friday night with a thumping seven goal victory over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park.
The match saw Celtic break through the 100-goal barrier with Natalie Ross’ tap-in for Celtic’s marking the ton, and Celtic reaching 105 domestic goals scored by the time the referees final whistle put Accies out their misery last night.
And Flint, clearly a confident player, given her description of the Glasgow Derby as a mere ‘warm-up’ ahead of the Accies win and the upcoming top of the table clash with Glasgow City at the Excelsior Stadium on Sunday, spoke to Celtic TV after scoring her first goals for the club, outlining her belief Celtic could have played even better – despite hitting Accies for a Magnificent Seven – and confirming all eyes are now on the top of the table prize on offer for beating Glasgow City this weekend.
“The performance was good but I think it could have been better. But from the warm-up we had against (the)Rangers, it’s just that we got the three points,” Tash stated. “I’m delighted to get my first goal then get a second just before coming off, so that’s good.
“It’s a big achievement for the club (Celtic’s 100th domestic goal scored last night) hopefully we can add to that against Glasgow (City) at the weekend. It’s another big game like (the)Rangers was, I’m looking forward to being involved really”.
🗣 "I'm delighted to get my first goal and then a second just before coming off so that was good!"@flint_tasha spoke to @celtictv after bagging her first two goals for the Celts! ✌️
🔴0-7🍀#HAMCEL | #SWPL | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/TdIO9GIixI
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) March 1, 2023
Flint has some big boots to fill at Celtic as she takes on the striker’s role at Celtic following the success of Sarah Ewens, Charlie Wellings and Clarissa Larisey, however the physical presence and ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play has offered Celtic a dimension to their play that those who went before her arguably didn’t offer, and has further evidenced manager Fran Alonso’s eye for attacking talent.
Speaking on the touchline to The Celtic Star last Wednesday, Fran Alonso described his new striker in glowing terms. “She’s not as fast as Clarissa but who is? But she’s a better finisher than Clarissa Larisey or Charlie Wellings,” The Celtic FC Women manager said about the striker that the Leicester City fans call The Goal Machine. And remember Wellings scored 40 goals in a her one season in Scotland and Fran Alonso expects more from Tash Flint.
With Celtic now gaining momentum in the SWPL1 title race, Natasha Flint finding her goalscoring touch against the Accies – and on the back of a fine ‘warm-up’ against theRangers – is perfect timing.
Celtic now host the SWPL1 league leaders Glasgow City at the Excelsior Stadium on Sunday, and Flint will need to be at her best against a team who remain top of the league thanks to their 2-1 win over the Hoops in October – a match where Celtic may not have been at their best but were desperately unlucky to lose.
Fran Alonso (who incidentally deserves credit for always referring to games against theRangers as a Glasgow Derby) and his team have a chance to right that wrong this weekend, where a win, thanks to Celtic’s superior goal difference, would lead to Celtic moving top of the SWPL1 table.
Goals haven’t been in short supply this season, nor has defensive stability with the Hoops conceding a meagre three goals all campaign. Yet the addition of Natasha Flint to Celtic’s striking armoury may have arrived at just the right time, as Celtic and Flint appear to be brimming with self-belief ahead of the biggest game of the SWPL1 campaign this weekend.
You really must believe us, you really must believe us, you really must believe us….
And if we do does that mean we can have a Tash Bash? I’ll get my coat…
Niall J
🎟 Tickets are now on sale for Sunday’s #SWPL fixture against @GlasgowCityFC.
Be part of the journey in a potential history-making season for #CelticFC Women and play your part this weekend at the Excelsior Stadium! 🏟#CELCIT | #COYGIG🍀
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) February 28, 2023
